"Today is a great, a historic day for the Republic of Macedonia. I promise that we will bring more good news in the period ahead, in the interests of all citizens of our country. The doors towards NATO are now open."

Countries hoping to join NATO must win unanimous approval from existing members and Greece blocked Macedonia's bid 10 years ago because of the name row.

Athens insisted Macedonia should change its name because it has its own northern province of the same name, which in ancient times was the cradle of Alexander the Great's empire -- a source of intense pride for modern-day Greeks.